Fiber separating and feeding machine



July 6., 1926.

H. B. LINDSAY FIBER SEPARATI NG AND FEEDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 27. 192a 1 3 1/ 1 Q 0 X1 I 1 3 5 3 3 7 I INVENTOR 1mm 5, z/lmsflr BY Patented July 6, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HARVEY 1B. LINDSAY, OF OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR T DRY-ZERO CORPORA- TION, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

FIBER SEPARATING- AND FEEDING MACHINE.

Application filed December 27, 1923. Serial No. 683,087.

My invention is an improved fiber rating and feeding machine.

The method heretofore in use consisted of tearing small bundles of fiber from the large compact bale, inserting these bundles in a machine in which the individual fibers were segregated. and conveyed to containers,

sepasuch as sacks, mattresses, etc.

The ob ect of my invention is to provide 0 a machine into which an entire compact bale may be inserted, and the individual fibers removed therefrom.

Another object is to provide a means whereby the separated fibers are automatically removed as soon as they leave the bale and are conveyed to the proper container A further object is to provide a machine which is simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture.

In the annexed drawing in which the preferred form of my invention is illustrated:

Figure 1 is a plan view of my machine, with parts broken away to show the interior construction.

Figure 2 is a side view of the same.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1.

Referring more particularly to the drawing: my machine includes a drum 1, which is journalled in bearings 2 and 3. The journals consist of cylindrical shells 4 and 5 secured to either end of the drum 1, the intake being through the shell l and the outlet through the shell 5. The drum 1 is retated by means of a sprocket wheel 6 secured to the shell 4, or by any other suitable means. Within the drum are formed a plurality of inwardly projecting serrated ribs 7, which are either longitudinally, spirally or circumferentially placed. As the drum is rotated the teeth of ribs 7 engage the compact bale of fiber, thereby causing it to follow the drum in its rotation until it is dropped to the bottom and again picked up.

This constant turning and beating causes the individual fibers to disengage themselves from the bale, at which time they are ready to be conveyed out of the drum 1.

A suction fan 8 is mounted at the discharge end of the drum 1 and. is connected to the drum by a revolving joint 9. A nozzle 10 is mounted at the discharge of the fan 8, which nozzle has a plurality of openings 11 therein, each of which is controlled by a gate 12. A plurality of baflies 13 are positioned within the nozzle 10 to distribute the fiber eoually to the various openings 11.

Having described. my invention, I claim:

1. A fiber separating and feeding machine comprising a drum. means to rotate said drum, said drum having an intake and a discharge opening, and a suction fan mounted at the discharge of said drum. a nozzle mounted on said fan, said nozzle having a plurality of openings therein, gates controlling said openings, and baflies in said nozzle.

2. A fiber separating machine comprising a rotatable drum adapted to receive and operate upon an entire bale of fiber, an end wall on said drum having an opening therein. a cylindrical shell attached to said end wall, said shell being open at both ends and adapted to receive an entire bale of fiber while said drum and shell are rotating, means to rotate said drum and shell means within said drum to disintegrate a bale of fiber and means for withdrawing the disintegrated material from said drum.

A fiber separating machine comprising a rotatable drum adapted to receive an entire bale of fiber, an end wall on said drum having an inlet opening therein, a shell attached to said end wall around said opening, said shell being free of obstructions throughout its length and of a size to enable it to receive an entire bale of fiber While the shell is rotating, means to rotate said drum and shell, serrated ribs fixed to the interior of said drum and suction means to Withdraw the fiber from the drum.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signature.

HARVEY B. LINDSAY. 

